Ginamarie Simpson

ED 270/271

Instructor Zita Podany

December 9, 2021

Journal Entry #5

Finding activities out in the community has been incredibly challenging during the pandemic.

This has greatly affected many with physical and intellectual disabilities. It not only restricts

their access to social interactions and connections, but it has the potential to diminish the

progress of making and maintaining those connections and all the social skills they have built.

This has proven to be the case for my client. They already feel so disconnected from those

around them. The stress of societal issues and the longevity of Covid precautions has taken a

toll, and while their understanding of the intrinsic details remains more surface, the impact to

their mental health has been apparent.

As I have supported and assisted navigating these challenges, I have also had to think outside

the box to engage and reconnect. My client has been incredibly reluctant and according to

family, has rescinded most activities. Even the ones they typically love to enjoy have been

rejected depending on mood.

With all this in mind, and a failed pumpkin patch visit, I was determined to find a holiday

activity to enjoy. I had taken a different client to Zoo Lights when they created a Covid safe

drive through version last December. I was delighted to find out that they gave both the walk
about and drive options this season. After clearing it with the parents, I surprised my client with

tickets. That, coupled with 3 days of respite care that they attributed to a ‘sleepover’, got them

super stoked for a new adventure. Tickets were limited and put us late into the evening so

when it was close to the time we left for the zoo, my client eagerly put on their favorite warm

jammies, warm fuzzy socks, grabbed a favorite blanket, and assisted in make each of us a hot

cup of coco to go with sprinkles and mini marshmallows. The rain trailed off, so we rolled down

our windows, sang horribly to our favorite holidays’ songs, and laughed our way through the

beautifully lit path of zoo lights. They were excited with their service pup on their lap, taking

pictures and videos. It was a wonderful end to our first respite day together. I considered it a

complete success.

If I have learned anything with this position, it’s that the great moments are vital, and

unfortunately sometimes come with consequences. Given that my client experiences fatigue

from the processing disorder, they may have a ‘jet lag’ feeling the day following a big event.

This was the case this morning when it was time to prepare for their transition program. They

have a Zoom meeting with their school program director before physically attending 2.5 hours

of instruction of their specialized program. I was met with complete refusal to do any of the

routine scheduled meetings/activities. After two hours of discussing what the feelings were

behind the refusal, responsibility, and possible consequences it was clear we weren’t going to

make it happen. Typically, the parents give in to pleasantries of going for coffee and lunch so

the message, in my opinion, is mixed and doesn’t set a good example of responsibility. I was

sure to give my client a choice between getting ready and completing the required tasks or

staying home and completing some life skills tasks like showering, cleaning their room, or
laundry along with resting. They weren’t happy with me and retreated to their bedroom. At

lunch time their hunger won, and they came down to test the waters. I was my usual happy self

and offered to help make something for lunch. They threw out options of food at a few stores,

but I reminded them that the choice was to stay home today so that was what we were going

to do. Once they knew I was going to hold them to the decision they made, the power struggle

was over, and we made and enjoyed lunch together.

In the end I still feel it was a success because I set boundaries but also gave choices. I followed

through and let my client know what to expect without making them feel bad about needing

recovery time.